PLAYER-FAN relationships are a curious thing - especially among the awkward buggers who inhabit Goodison Park.

Gary Lineker once scored 40 goals in a single season, but never won over the hearts and minds of Evertonians because he'd replaced a legend who managed half that number in 68 appearances.

Andy King was an unknown cockney signed for a modest fee from Luton Town, and was instantly adored, while Duncan Ferguson was a centre-forward who took seven games to break his duck, was breath-alysed on the eve of a Merseyside derby - and was still sung about on Saturday.

There's no rhyme nor reason to who they take to - or don't. Just ask Geoff Nulty.

Duncan McKenzie was once cheered when he scored at Goodison Park, for Chelsea, while poor Paul Rideout was the man whose goal brought a major trophy back to Goodison for the last time, but never had his own song.

The good news for Andrew Johnson, however, is that he seemed to have struck up an instant affinity even before his debut goal.

There was an air of expectancy around Everton's record signing, and he didn't disappoint.

An enthusiasm for hard work obviously helps, but the quality he displayed in chesting down a one-two with Beattie before clipping a rising shot past Foster was probably just as important.

The crowd want him to succeed. Even if there were others inside Goodison who seemed intent on hijacking his big day.

The tannoy announcer proudly proclaimed Goodison's first goal of the season as being scored by "...... Lee Carsley!"

Then the big screen in the corner of the ground showed Johnson's shot clearly take a sizeable deflection off Lloyd Doyley's chest.

It made little difference to the celebrating hordes inside the ground.

As Gary Lineker later pointed out on Match of the Day "If he doesn't have a shot, there's no goal."

Perhaps Lineker was belatedly trying to win back some Blue pals.

Johnson had no such worries. His pace and persistence sparked roars of anticipation every time he drifted near the ball.

A hopeful clearance from a 12th minute free-kick quickly became a threatening counter-attack because of his speed of thought and movement, he was fouled for the free-kick which Mikel Arteta curled against the crossbar and he was still chasing through-balls in the 93rd minute with Everton holding onto a precarious 2-1 lead.

They did, to ensure an opening day success at Goodison for the first time in a decade.

The last time that happened, there were pundits who genuinely believed the Blues could go on and win the title.

No-one harbours thoughts like that any more, but Johnson's presence has helped instill an air of optimism around the place.

Watford dominated possession and won more shots, tackles and corners.

But Everton won the kind of match they were routinely drawing last season because of their greater quality in front of goal.

A ludicrous penalty decision also helped - full marks to the Gwladys Street for the assist - but there is a belief now that Everton can win matches they may not necessarily deserve to.

And they can - and will, undoubtedly improve on Saturday's display.

First day successes, apart from Johnson?

Alan Stubbs was immense in the centre of defence, Lee Carsley equally influential ahead of him - until he dallied on the ball too long near the corner flag and Watford snatched a late consolation - while Simon Davies was also bright and purposeful and desperately unlucky to come off early.

Tim Howard also handled confidently, while James McFadden confirmed his manager's pre-season predictions with a bright cameo role in the last 17 minutes.

Must do-betters? James Beattie looks short on fitness, while Mikel Arteta is wasted out on the left-flank.

But the season is still in an embryonic state and Goodison is relishing a new crowd hero.

Duncan Ferguson's retirement has left an emotional vacuum on the terraces, one a modest little striker from the Midlands looks well capable of filling.

Another great debut by Blues

PAT on the back for the Goodison Park stadium organisers on Saturday.

With a season-ticket swipe card system making its operational debut, there were pre-match fears of Leyton Orient style chaos on the streets. There wasn't.

A near capacity crowd was admitted efficiently, easily -and on-time, with no need for a delayed kick-off. Crowd cock-ups make headlines whenever they arise, so it's only right to point out operational successes, too.